Lifelong Troy native Brittney Linzey recently purchased Advantage Realty in Troy and on Thursday, she hosted her first Christmas Open House at the business’ new location.

Linzey was born and raised in Troy, graduating from Pike Liberal Arts School and Troy University. She began working as an office manager at Advantage Realty, for former owner Larry Hancock, in 2013. Since that time ,she earned her real estate license and broker license before purchasing the business from Hancock in October.

“I’ve worked here for a little over 12 years,” Linzey said with a smile. “We started renovating this new office in August and the idea of buying the business came to light then. Sort of like a new office, new owner, fresh start. Larry Hancock has been in real estate for 50 years or more, so I was just really fortunate that he wanted me to buy it.”

Linzey said she was thrilled to become the new owner of Advantage Realty.

“Being from Troy, I plan on being here my whole life,” she said. “I really enjoy being here with the people I work with and helping first time home buyers is the fun thing for me. It’s important to me to be able to help people buy their first home and to know there are options and they don’t have to pay someone else’s mortgage by renting every month. I think owning real estate is the best investment you can make in your whole life.”

While Advantage Realty can help customers with all kinds of purchases – whether that be residential or commercial – Linzey said that she was very passionate about helping out first time buyers.

“Most people have never bought a house before, or even tried to buy a house,” she said. “You have to have a big heart and make sure you’re explaining everything to people so they know. Where you live is the biggest part of your life, it sets you up for daily success. If you wake up in the morning and don’t like where you’re at then things in your life probably won’t be good. The most passionate thing for me is helping those first time home buyers.”

Advantage Realty’s new location is located at 115 McNeil Street in Troy.